THE WBEC PACIFIC
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
FEBRUARY 20TH, 2025 | 5 - 8pm PT | Oakland, CA
THE GARDEN ROOM AT THE OVERLOOK
Information
ABOUT THE WBEC PACIFIC BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
This premier event provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate our community's achievements, forge valuable connections, and honor the remarkable accomplishments made over the past year. Join us in recognizing the leaders who continue to shape and strengthen our business community.Featuring a catered dinner and celebratory award show, following by a private networking reception with opportunities for connecting with diverse businesses and professionals.
DATE & LOCATION
The Business Excellence Awards is a dinner event from 5pm - 8pm PT on February 20th inside The Garden Room at The Overlook in Oakland, California.ADDRESS:
The Garden Room at the Overlook
344 20th St, Oakland, CA 94612
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
We encourage participants to use rideshares or ride public transportation such as BART and AC Transit to help mitigate congestion.
AGENDA
Additional information coming soon.
AGENDA
The IDEATION 2024 agenda is subject to revisions leading up to the event.
| JUNE 25TH EVENTS | TIME |
|---|---|
| Registration, Networking, & Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Private Eyes Background Checks | 9:00 - 10:00am |
| Opening Remarks Paul Williams and Janice R. Greene, PhD | 10:00 - 10:15am |
| AI TECHNIQUES TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH IN AN ETHICAL WAY - IDEATION 2024 Keynote and Q&A Nancy Douyon Presented by the worldwide leading human factor engineer and one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 10 Women to Watch in Tech. | 10:15 - 10:50am |
| Morning Discussions with Industry Experts The Supplier Diversity XPRIZE Challenge Joan Kerr There is an urgent need to incorporate diverse businesses into the global supply chain. The Supplier Diversity XPRIZE Challenge will design and implement practical, scalable, sustainable, and economically-sound processes that create a level of diverse supplier participation in supply chains, mirroring the diversity of our communities. Bringing Delight to Your RFx Work with Generative AI David Mansi & Prateek Sahay Generative AI has the potential to transform every business. During this talk we'll delve into how it can support your work across RFPs & RFIs. The AI Advantage: Elevating Supply Chain Performance and Customer Experience Hannah Kain Explore how ALOM harnesses AI to revolutionize supply chain operations, drive productivity, and elevate service offerings. Gain insights into AI initiatives already deployed, highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Discover ALOM's vision for future AI integration to unlock new capabilities and efficiencies across the business landscape. | 10:50 - 11:40am |
| Networking & Lunch Sponsored by San Jose Water | 11:40am - 12:25pm |
| AI UNLEASHED - ChatGPT Agent Workshop Kelly Sparks and Bob Bonniol - Sponsored by MODE Studios Learn how AI can automate tasks and spark creativity in this interactive workshop. With beginner-friendly intros and advanced applications, you’ll gain actionable insights to integrate AI and elevate your business! | 12:25 - 2:10pm |
| Afternoon Bites | 2:10 - 2:25pm |
| Afternoon Discussions with Industry Experts Activate Your Business with LinkedIn Madelyn Mackie Learn how to create an optimized LinkedIn personal profile, company page and services page, build your network, and navigate the digital media minefield to find your next client, new business, amazing resources, media opportunities, and revenue! OGGI: Revolutionizing Hybrid Work and Events Imelda Alejandrino As hybrid work models reshape global daily life, Oggi offers a groundbreaking solution to the challenges of maintaining human connection in both virtual and physical environments. This talk will introduce you to Oggi, an innovative digital reality web application that uses live-video avatars within a 3D environment to foster natural, spontaneous interactions. The Role of Internal Communications in Mitigating AI Risks Barbara Wichmann Many companies are exploring how generative AI can enhance their business, but few have policies to safeguard their IP and competitive positioning. This workshop will highlight the importance of internal policies, communication strategies, and employee education in managing risks. | 2:25 - 3:15pm |
| Roundtables - Matchmaking | 3:15 - 4:25pm |
| Top Corporation Awards 2024 | 4:25 - 4:50pm |
| Closing Remarks Janice R. Greene, PhD | 4:50 - 5:00pm |
NOMINEES
Additional nominee information may be announced in the lead-up to the event.
2024 WBE of the Year (Pinnacle Award)
Belle Chou - SW Sustainability Solutions
Annalee Hagood-Earl - Bash Creative
Pallavi Pande - DTOCS LLC
Renee La Londe - iTalent
Arlene Inch - TransPak
Birgess Angelus - B Line Events
Vaneese Johnson - On the Move Careers
Katrina Noelle - KNow Research
2024 Excellence in Growth
Ami Shah - Ami Shah CPA
Pallavi Pande - DTOCS LLC
Laura Taylor - Honest to Goodness Personal Chef Services
Lilly Wyatt - SociosPR
Christina Dixon - Aecus Law
Annalee Hagood-Earl - Bash Creative
Arlene Inch - TransPak
2024 Done Deals
Hannah Kain - ALOM
Christina Dixon - Aecus Law
2024 Advocate
Karen Say-Valadez - Saybr Contractors, Inc.
Andrea Heuston - Artitudes
Madelyn Mackie - Madelyn Mackie & Associates
2024 Volunteer
Barbara Wichmann - ARTÉMIA Communications Inc
Colleen Bonniol - MODE Studios
Kelly Sparks - VMG Studios
Vaneese Johnson - On the Move Careers
These awards will be announced at the Business Excellence Awards on February 20th:
2024 C.A.R.E.S.
2024 Cornerstone
2024 Emerging Leader
2024 President's Award
SPEAKERS
JANICE R. GREENE, PHD
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF WBEC PACIFIC
I am an experienced leader with demonstrated ability to successfully design, integrate and align economic development and strategic work placement into enterprise strategic business objectives.
SPONSORS
Learn more about our event sponsorship packages below.
If you are interested in sponsoring WBEC Pacific's Business Excellence Awards, please contact [email protected].
RECEPTION SPONSORS
AWARD SPONSORS
OUR 2025 ANNUAL SPONSORS CONTINUE TO HELP MAKE OUR MISSION A SUCCESS. THANK YOU!